2018 Ford Focus
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 835 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 19 Focus model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 15 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 11 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, manual transmissionJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Focus and 2013-2016 Fusion vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 18V169 and 18V845. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will inspect Focus vehicles and replace the clutch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 5, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S43. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V376000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, evaporative emissions, canisterJun 9, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Focus vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 18V735. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving.
An engine that stalls while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S40. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6,2026.
Campaign 26V369000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Focus, 2019 Explorer, and 2024 Explorer vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in October 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026. This recall expands previous recall number 25V685.
Campaign 26V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterJan 15, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, oil/lubrication, pumpDec 22, 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.
Campaign 23V905000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, manual transmissionNov 28, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S07. Note: This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-169.
Campaign 18V845000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storageOct 22, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine. The Canister Purge Valve (CPV) may malfunction, possibly causing excessive vacuum in fuel vapor management system.
The excessive vaccuum may result in an engine stall while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. Dealers will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV as needed. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S32. Note: Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern, owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full.
Campaign 18V735000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
835 reports, newest first.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 25, 2024
The oil pump belt broke and lost oil pressure causing the car to lose power while pulling out onto a busy highway. Had to have car towed to dealership. They diagnosed the problem as related to the recall and have recommended engine replacement but are not able to repair as the recall is in the advanced notice stage. I have contacted Ford everyday for a week about needing a vehicle in the meantime. They finally approved a car rental for $45/day but it has to be a Ford. I’ve called 8 car rentals and no one carries a compact Ford at that price. I would like my vehicle fixed or reimbursed 100% for a rental. I have spent hours on the phone trying to get this resolved. I’m being told I will need to pay out of my own pocket for anything more than $45/day or pay $8100 to replace my engine with no guarantee that I will be reimbursed.
Power train, May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle and attempting to reverse out of the dealer, the vehicle hesitated before reversing, however, the contact continued to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that approximately 2 weeks after purchasing the vehicle while attempting to reverse out of a parking space, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was assisted by people nearby in pushing the vehicle out of the parking space. The contact was able to drive the vehicle; however, the failure to reverse persisted. The contact stated that while approximately 55 MPH was back to the residence, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate and stalled. The contact stated that the message “Transmission Overheating - Switch Off Engine for 5 Minutes” was displayed. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed. The contact related to the failure of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that the clutch had failed and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V845000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power with the check oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed as a failure with the fuel pump. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Engine, May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle was shaking and rattling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Crest Ford, in Center Line (26333 Van Dyke Ave., Center Line, MI 48015), where it was diagnosed that the EPV valve clutch and purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V845000 (Power Train) and 18V735000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,374.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 20, 2024
P219a, p064d Total system shutdown was not recrank. Was in the middle of a four-way intersection when car died. Independent service diagnose the problem Have checked the Ford recall list and there are three recalls address to my vehicle Oil pressure light battery light and check engine light
Engine, May 16, 2024
I was driving and my check engine light came on. Immediately after the light hits vapors started coming out of my tail pipes and my car heating gauge goes to hot. I pull over turn the car off and wait for it to cool down and then I add some anti freeze 50/50 to the reservoir. It still had a lot of antifreeze in it so I basically topped it off to the do not fill past here line. I turn the car back on and go to drive off. The car won't go above 20 miles per hour and it immediately over heats again and there is still vapor coming out. I have it towed home and then I have it towed to the dealership where they informed me that the head gasket is cracked. The component is available for inspection upon request. I could no longer go above 20 mph in Las Vegas with heavy traffic someone could have easily hit me or caused a crash. I'm not sure how deadly a blown head gasket is but it's possible the engine could have exploded or worse it was confirmed by Gaudin Ford of Las Vegas. An Internet search shows that A LOT of others have had blown head gaskets with low miles also. My source was Reddit and car forums related to the Focus ST. Check engine light came on and then literally 1 second after that the vapors started. After letting the vehicle cool down I could no longer drive above 20 mph. It was like the car lost all of its power
Back over prevention, Electrical system, May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the infotainment system had failed to turn on intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable while reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000. The contact stated she had to replace the whole unit at the cost $1500.00 in repairs.
Power train, May 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled while shifting gears. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed transmission shudder coming from multiple shift gears and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, May 13, 2024
Earlier this year, I was driving my Ford focus and the car stopped at a stoplight and the engine shut off. The engine never restarted. I had the car towed to a garage and eventually a Ford dealership where it was determined that the reason the car broke was due to an active recall on the oil belt, as the oil belt broke. That active recall number is 23S64 and concerns the belt that delivers the oil to the engine and the oil to the turbo charger. Without the oil being delivered, the engine and turbo charger seized as the belt broke. The Ford dealership said that the oil belt, engine, and turbocharger would all need replacing but the recall only covers the oil system at this time. They were explicitly clear that the engine and turbocharger failures were due to the oil belt failure. My car has been at the Ford dealership for multiple months, awaiting the next steps, but as of now, it has been communicated to me that the recall only covers the oil system and not the cascading effect that the oil system had on the engine and the turbo charger. I’m writing this complaint so that there is a documented instance where the oil belt recall has led to a cascade of multiple other parts on the car failing. The oil belt is currently in advanced recall notice and no remedy is available for the situation. I do not feel this has been remedied in a timely manner as my car has been on the dealership lot for multiple months now and they have said only the oil belt may be covered. I have opted to wait until the recall switches from advanced notice until I make a decision what to do. Let me know what other information I can provide. This problem poses a safety risk as a loss of engine oil pressure can result in engine damage and/or seizure, which can result in a loss of motive power and a loss of the mechanical vacuum pump required to provide power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering, May 13, 2024
The steering rack on my 2018 Ford Focus failed completely as I was leaving the parking lot at work at the end of the day. This vehicle is currently having being repaired at the Ford dealer and is available for inspection. No injuries or accidents occured as a result of the power steering failure. I do believe my safety and that of other drivers was put at risk because of the inability to maneuver the car at low speed and in a high traffic situation. The dealership and an independent service center have diagnosed and confirmed the problem as steering gear failure. The vehicle has NOT been inspected by manufacturer, police, or the insurance company since there was not accident or collision. I did NOT receive any dash warning, messages or symptoms prior to the steering gear failure.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2024
was driving my car suddenly the car stopped working it does not reverse and goes forward the transmission no longer engages and it overheats the car can no longer be driven c because the transmission no longer works The car only has 68,500 miles, the transmission no longer works. I contacted the Ford dealer regarding the car warranty and they told me that the warranty did not cover the transmission so I had to pay $5,500 because they had to replace the entire transmission.I need your help to be able to resolve this problem. My car is almost new and the transmission no longer works.
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle decelerated, with the oil pressure and battery warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over off the highway and stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,643. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence and then had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oil pump had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact became aware that the transmission was not functioning as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the actuator motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Power train, May 7, 2024
Had Turbo checked out while under warranty. Ford service could not replace because DTC didn't call for replacement. Turbo failed and parts went into engine after warranty expired because of 60 months. only 25000 miles on car. Car needs engine, turbo and other parts replaced. cost of over $8000 no longer covered under warranty. Fords negligence in not replacing turbo led to the engine failure.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 5, 2024
2018 ford focus shit down while driving down a main road in December 2023 Had it towed at our expense to a ford dealership, they told us the engine needs replaced, estimated around $9000 Recall came out a week or so later, for the oil pump causing the engine to seize. Still waiting to hear from ford about the recall, and have been out of a car for 5 months, and they declined offering me a temporary car. I don’t know what to do from here as the car has been sitting in my yard and the battery has also died now.
Power train, May 5, 2024
Ford transmission failure Started with chattering and engine acceleration at red lights. Progressed to remaining in drive even though you shifted to park or reverse
Latches/locks/linkages, May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. While the contact’s spouse was driving approximately 15 MPH, the rear passenger’s side door was unable to close properly. The instrument panel displayed a message that the door was ajar. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the locking mechanism had failed. The driver pulled to the side of the road and became aware that the door was not properly lining up with the locking mechanism, causing the door to fail to close or lock properly. The contact was informed that the locking mechanism within the door needed to be replaced. The failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V643000 (Latches/Linkages/Linkages) and 16V698000 (Latches/Linkages/Linkages, Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 32,800.
Engine and engine cooling, May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine, Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 24, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 5 MPH in the driveway, the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clutch forks. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2024
I was driving home from my doctors appointment when I noticed the oil light on then I heard like air coming from up under the hood and the car started losing compression like gas power so I pulled over and check the oil. The oil was still full and then I remembered about the recall that Ford sent me. The problem is that Ford is telling me that it will be between May and August Before my car can get fixed .I on disability my car Note is $375. My insurance is $181 a month and now I have no way of going back-and-forth to my doctors appointments. They said that they could fix it for me for. $3000-$4000 and it’s gonna be a 14 hour job,The problem with that is I have no money to put up to pay to get this part fixed. This is on Ford they have the recall they need to get the parts for the people like me who are already breaking down from there faulty parts that they put on the car. The Ford company I bought my car from is in Laurel Mississippi, and they said I am the second person that’s done called broke down with the recall problem.They should’ve had these parts before people started breaking down. Now I feel stranded with no way of going and I would like something to get done. I’m not gonna further drive my car to make it worse. I did the right thing I made it home and parked it and that’s where it’s been for a week now and I’ve been on the phone just about every day with Ford and nothing‘s getting done.